Barbetta Restaurant and Garden

Just a block and a half west of Times Square on 46th Street is an enchanting garden that makes you forget your in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world. Founded in 1906 by Sebastiano Maioglio, Barbetta Restaurant is the oldest restaurant in New York that still owned by the family that founded it [currently owned by Sebastiano's daughter Laura Maioglio], the oldest Italian restaurant in New York and the oldest restaurant in New York's Theatre District]. The crown jewel of this century old eatery is the back garden which is one of New York's most sought-after sites for summer dining. Surrounded by century-old trees and the patio centers around a fountain accented by beautiful flowers.

The Barbetta menu includes traditional Piemontese dishes such as Agnolotti, Risotto, Polenta, and Bollito. When Laura took over in 1962, she was determined to make Barbetta more Piemontese than ever, adding such typical dishes as Fonduta, Carne Cruda, Bagna Cauda, Bue al Barolo, and introducing white truffles and Piemonte's traditional white truffle dishes. While the Italian cuisine is excellent [and very authentic], the wine list is truly impressive and can be completely overwhelming, in a good way.

The current wine list reflects a decade of work done by Leopoldo Frokic from 1997 to 2004 and from then carried on by Wine Director, Enrico Farello. The current list contains over 1,600 different labels, with extraordinary verticals and rare vintages from the top producers going back to 1961. This remarkable list won Wine Enthusiast’s first prize in February 2005, the Award of Ultimate Distinction. It has also won Wine Spectator’s second prize, the Best of Award of Excellence, every year since 1997. In September 2005, Barbetta won first prize from Santé Magazine.

For a magical dinner away [only steps away mind you] from the hustle and bustle of New York City, stop into the Barbetta Restaurant. For a few relaxing hours, you will actually forget your in the heart of the Big Apple and feel [and taste] a little piece of Italy.